WAYNESBORO BOROUGH AUTHORITY
SEPTEMBER 15, 2009
MINUTES
Authority Chairman Jon Fleagle called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Waynesboro Borough Authority to order at 7:30 p.m., with the following in attendance:
Borough Authority Members – Jon Fleagle, Lee Layman, S. Allen Stine, Christopher Snively and William Pflager
Borough Staff – S. Leiter Pryor, Director of Borough Utilities
Scott Crum, Chief Draftsman/Inspector
D. Lloyd Reichard, II, Authority Solicitor
APPROVE MINUTES: Christopher Snively made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 18, 2009 meeting, as written. William Pflager seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
SOURCE DEVELOPMENT UPDATE: Leiter Pryor reported that the well was put on-line approximately 1-1½ weeks ago, and it has been running intermittently since. The issue with the chlorine feed pumps continues, and he explained the matter in detail. They are working with the vendor to find a solution to the problem, and will sample a new type of head for the pumps when one is available. He assured WBA members that monitors and alarms shut-down the process when problems occur so that untreated water is not pumped into the system. Other than that, the process is “running great”. Fire/intrusion alarms are working properly, but the hot water heater has not yet been installed. He is hopeful that the project can be closed-out at the Authority’s October meeting.
Mr. Pryor also reported that SWIP monitoring at the well began approximately a week ago (this will be a daily testing for a period of six months); and bacteria sampling will be done once a week. No comments or complaints about water quality and/or pressure have been heard from customers. He added that no water has been released from the reservoir, even when the “dry spell” occurred recently. Mr. Pryor also noted that the link between the well site and main plant has been completed; and all process monitoring can now be viewed (and the plant started and stopped) remotely.
BIOSOLIDS UPDATE: Leiter Pryor reported that he met with DEP representatives today regarding the biosolids program. The state indicated that results of the split-sample done were “good” and the WBA will be “back on track” with the land-application program in the near future. No additional monitoring or analyses will be required, but some enhanced monitoring for PCB’s is recommended for several months to ensure there is not a recurrence.
Mr. Pryor noted there is approximately 700 wet tons of sludge stockpiled on the drying beds, and he is working on certifications with several landfills so that it can be disposed of next year. Based on the price quotations he has received, he estimates this will cost approximately $50,000 in 2010 ($145,000 was already spent for de-watering). Substantial drying has occurred under the roof of the drying beds (which will save money), and he is hoping to begin hauling in February or March.
Regarding additional sampling/investigations for the source of PCB’s, Mr. Pryor stated he feels the “hit” was a one-time event from a long time ago. All industries were interviewed and sampled, and nothing substantial was discovered.
NPDES PERMIT RENEWAL: WBA members received a copy of correspondence from DEP indicating that the WBA’s permit application was “administratively complete”. Several discussions were held regarding the technical review; and everything is in place except the lab analyses (four events of WET testing and a lot of chemical analyses are required). Those have begun, along with the supplemental testing requested by Gannett Fleming.
Mr. Pryor added that Mark Malarich hopes to have information for the WBA’s October meeting with regard to their study on a plant upgrade, but they need results of the chemical analyses in order to determine if there is a need to expand the plant’s capacity. He explained that nitrogen removal will require another filtration process, but phosphorus removal will be a chemical addition process (two additional tanks will probably need to be constructed). Discussion followed regarding the official notice for compliance from DEP. Mr. Pryor noted he will check details of the notice and report back at the next meeting.
AUTHORIZATION TO BID ROOF REPLACEMENT - WATER PLANT: Leiter Pryor noted that a price quote from Kelly Roofing was included in the WBA’s meeting packets, which was significantly higher than the amount included in the 2009 budget for this work. They propose two (2) options: (1) adhered system (rubber membrane) or (2) rubber membrane with ballast stone. He explained the differences and benefits of each; and after discussion, the WBA decided to solicit bids for both types of roof. After bids are received, they can decide on the type of construction they desire. Allen Stine made a motion to authorize bids to be received for roof replacement at the Water Plant. Lee Layman seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
HARPER DRIVE WATER SERVICE: Pursuant to discussions regarding Harper Drive at the recent joint meeting of the WBA and WTMA boards, Leiter Pryor was asked if there was an interest on the WBA’s part in proceeding with connecting the area to WTMA’s system so that better service can be provided. Discussion ensued regarding how to handle capacity fees previously paid to WBA (which were approximately $210,000), line construction (which will cost approximately $25,000), and the balance thereof.
It was noted during continued discussion, that approximately 20 of the 70 homes on Harper Drive have booster pumps; and their average pressure is 60 lbs. If the WBA were to run lines down N. Church Street, volume would be increased, but pressure would not. (Volume rates are an issue with providing fire service.) A system upgrade was originally being considered to increase volume in the area, but the scenario of allowing WTMA to serve these customers was then suggested. An upgrade will have to be done “sooner or later” anyway, because of various other issues; and WBA members requested that drawings be made available at their next meeting for further discussion on the matter.
ABBRO REALTY WATER SERVICE REQUEST: Leiter Pryor presented a request from Abbro Realty, who owns a building at 218 W. Fifth Street. A water hauling company would like to rent the building, and they are requesting to run a 2" tap off the 4" fire line into the building to fill their trucks. The owner didn’t seem concerned about fire protection in the building, but they would like to keep this as a “dual” line. A 2" meter would be needed on the domestic service line. Since capacity fees are not charged for fire service lines, and because this would be a change in use, Mr. Pryor suggested that a capacity-related fee of some sort should be charged. He added that a 2" capacity fee would cost $15,330. New tap fee legislation would permit a “special use fee” to be charged (instead of a capacity fee).
Discussion followed regarding the fact that no one has ever been permitted to tap off a fire service before. A separate 2" line would require the street to be dug-up, and a distribution fee ($10,000+) would then also be involved. Different scenarios were discussed, as well as the fees involved with each. The Authority members concurred that they are not interested in permitting a domestic water service tap off a fire service line.
Mr. Pryor also noted that he has received requests for quotes for fire service lines in residential, and additional rates will need to be adopted for these. He recommended the following:
Line Size Quarterly Charge
1" $ 25.15
1.5" $ 37.72
2" $ 75.45
4" $ 138.60
6" $ 313.50
8" $ 636.00
10" $ 876.00
12" $1,249.50
A resolution will be prepared for the Authority’s approval at their next meeting. Chairman Fleagle suggested that fire service rates also be reviewed. Leiter Pryor was asked to compare rates with other nearby municipalities.
On a related matter, Allen Stine stated that a fire occurred recently at Shockey’s on Route 16. An out-of-town fire company utilized the fire hydrant at Zody’s, but experienced low pressure. He questioned if that hydrant has less pressure than the one of the west end of Zullinger. Scott Crum commented that it shouldn’t have less pressure ... it should be approximately 850 gpm or 60 lbs. He added that it will not be a “fast fill”, like some of the hydrants in Chambersburg (and possibly what they are accustomed to).
TYCO ELECTRONICS REQUEST FOR PROCESS WATER DISCHARGE: Leiter Pryor reported that he met recently with the plant manager and environmental coordinator from Tyco Electronics regarding their proposed plant expansion. They are adding an additional process to their existing facility, which will create more jobs. This coincided with the surveys mailed to local industries regarding their discharge, and they provided information on their current discharge as well as their proposed discharge for the new process. He has reviewed the information and doesn’t feel there will be a problem.
Mr. Pryor explained that Tyco is a categorical pre-treatment facility, because they do metal finishing and electroplating; and they are regulated under EPA. They provide quarterly reports on their discharge (as required by the Borough’s Sewer Use Ordinance) and have always been very compliant. He has discussed the proposed plans with Mark Malarich, who noted that there shouldn’t be any problem since they are strictly regulated by EPA. He also feels that the limits in the current ordinance are adequate to handle their proposed discharge.
In addition, Mr. Pryor stated that Tyco will most likely have some additional water service requirements and may want an additional water line.
2010 WATER AND SEWER BUDGETS: Leiter Pryor reported that there has been “some headway” made with regard to financial numbers. He will provide the Authority with initial information at the October meeting, and suggested that a special meeting be scheduled for the last part of October to discuss the budgets at length.
FOG ORDINANCE: Chairman Fleagle noted that a letter was sent to WTMA regarding the FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease) Ordinance. No response has been received.
QUINCY TOWNSHIP WATER SUPPLY: Leiter Pryor reported that a representative of Quincy Township met with him recently and discussed their meeting with DEP regarding public water supply (and the TC problem in the Quincy/Tomstown area). They are considering other options and asked if the WBA would want to re-visit the Blue Rock well scenario discussed several years ago (a possible joint effort to develop the Blue Rock well and provide service to those residents). After discussion on the matter, Chairman Fleagle noted he is unsure if the WBA would want to get involved with another well project at this time. Members agreed that they may be interested in selling the well site if Quincy Township is interested in purchasing it.
PAY BILLS: Allen Stine made a motion to approve the payment of the following requisitions –
Water Construction Fund Requisition #WC-47 - Gannett Fleming Companies - $485.70 - Water system engineering services related to the performance of the duties of the Authority’s consulting engineer and other services as authorized (PENNVEST Assistance - Well 2) for the period of July 4, 2009 through July 31, 2009
Water Requisition #09-21 - Gannett Fleming Companies - $150.22 - Water system engineering services related to the performance of the duties of the Authority’s consulting engineer and other services as authorized (2009 Annual Services) for the period of July 4, 2009 through July 31, 2009
Lee Layman seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Having no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. on a Christopher Snively/William Pflager motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melinda S. Knott
Administrative Assistant